The upcoming annual report from the United Nations on children affected by conflicts is already stirring up concerns, even though it won’t be officially released until June. A draft of the report, which has come to light, raises eyebrows due to its lack of attention to Israeli victims amid ongoing hostilities, while it seemingly levies criticisms against Israel.
In the section discussing Israeli and Palestinian children, there are several points where verified and unverified information are mingled. The report acknowledges the existence of unverified data but fails to disclose the sources behind the verification of the other statistics. This absence of clarity raises questions about the report’s reliability.
Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon has firmly stated, “We will not cooperate with a report that serves as a platform for baseless slander against Israel.” He emphasizes Israel’s unwillingness to endorse a document that lacks credibility.
The report makes alarming claims, including an assertion that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) abducted a Palestinian girl. Although it states this incident has been verified, it leaves out details regarding the nature of the verification and provides no context about the alleged abduction. Crucially, there are no updates about the girl’s well-being.
One particularly troubling allegation in the report suggests that IDF soldiers used 27 Palestinian children as human shields in both the West Bank and Gaza. Again, verification away from the ground isn’t explained, and the practice of using human shields is widely recognized as a tactic employed by Hamas, not the IDF.
The report also contains accusations that Israel has utilized schools and hospitals for military operations, despite confirmation from both Israel and the U.S. that Hamas has done just that. An instance showing this occurred when IDF Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus released footage from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, showcasing weapons and military gear found in the facility used by Hamas.
Additionally, the report criticizes Israel for supposedly withholding humanitarian aid from Palestinians. However, it fails to mention that armed groups have reportedly looted many aid trucks. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), a significant number of aid shipments destined for Gaza were violently taken.
What is noticeably absent from the draft is any detailed account of Israeli casualties. Although it mentions that two Israeli boys were killed in custody, it does not specify their names or circumstances, choosing instead to overlook other tragic incidents, such as the deaths of 12 Druze children from Hezbollah’s rocket fire.
Ambassador Danon criticized the U.N. for seemingly disregarding the suffering of Israeli children, stating, “Based on this report, Israeli lives do not matter and are not worthy of attention.” He asserts that Israel will not permit diplomatic pressures to suppress its reality.
